Philosophical Ethics: From Aristotle to Material Values
Eudemonism (Rational or Honest)
Aristotle, in his book Ethics Nicomachus, wonders what activity can be beautiful and excellent, the most perfect of all. The most pleasant and enjoyable activity would be reasonable to seek for itself and for no other purpose, because it would be free from worry and fatigue, and without great quench.
Think of it as a specific human face. Lower living beings have reason, and then the activity should be perfectly proper to the rational part of man, arguing that is the
Read MoreMorality, Justice, and Social Contracts
When is an Action Moral?
Previous critical reflection on the scope and consequences of an action determines its morality. Consider whether the behavior will lead to the desired end and what consequences could result from a desire for universality. Every person should do good, given the same circumstances, as under the moral law.
Freedom is a condition of moral action: a free person, unlike a slave, is master of their actions and accountable, able to make decisions and take actions without external
Descartes’ Sixth Meditation: Mind-Body Distinction
Sixth Meditation
1. Are there material things? Is there an extra-mental reality?
2. The ability to imagine in me seems proven because there is nothing but the power of knowing bodies. Imagination allows me a clear mental representation or image of what we conceive. I can conceive of a chiliagon or myriagon or make a confused mental representation or image of them, but not truly imagine them.
3. The ability to imagine does not belong to the essence of my mind, so it must depend on something close and
Read MoreKant’s Philosophy: Historical Context and Modern Relevance
1. Context: History, Philosophy, and Culture
Historical Context
Immanuel Kant’s life (1724-1804) spanned most of the 18th century, coinciding with the decline of absolute monarchy and the rise of enlightened despotism following the Peace of Westphalia (1648). Europe underwent a profound transformation, with political action increasingly grounded in science and reason, albeit still authoritarian.
Prussia, Kant’s homeland, was a prime example of enlightened monarchy. After the ‘soldier king,’ known for
Read MoreCartesian Philosophy: Doubt, Substance, and Mechanics
Anthropology
To achieve understanding, a universal doubt is required. Reject as false all things without evidence or uncertain validity. Descartes proposed rules known as the “methodical doubt.”
Firstly, reject information from the senses, as they can deceive. Secondly, acknowledge human reasoning errors, doubting arguments and demonstrations. Differentiate between dreams and thoughts, as there’s no clear distinction when awake or dreaming. Finally, consider the “evil genius” idea, making obvious
Read MoreMarxism and Mill’s Liberalism: Society and Individual Liberty
Marx and Historical Materialism
Marx, like Comte and Mill, aimed to transform society and reduce inequality. Marxism, deeply tied to the labor movement, had significant social and political repercussions.
Sources of Marxism
- Hegelian Idealism: Marx opposed Hegel’s idealism, arguing that matter, not consciousness, drives reality.
- Feuerbach’s Materialism: Marx adopted Feuerbach’s materialist concept of alienation, where God is a human creation.
- Utopian Socialism: Thinkers who highlighted social injustices